Greenbelt Alliance seeks 2-3 motivated individuals to help lead a research project to assess the primary barriers to infill development in each of 20 Bay Area cities with high infill development potential and suggest approaches to overcome those barriers. The Policy Interns will also provide policy research support for Greenbelt Alliance’s campaigns for open space protection and better city planning throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Greenbelt Alliance
Greenbelt Alliance is the San Francisco Bay Area’s advocate for open spaces and vibrant places. Founded in 1958, we work to make the Bay Area a better place to live by protecting the region’s greenbelt and improving the livability of our cities and towns. We have helped protect over 1.1 million acres of farmlands, parks, watersheds and other open space. We are also a leading advocate for the creation of livable communities: walkable neighborhoods near transit, shops, and jobs, with homes people can afford. With a committed staff of 20-plus, there is strong team spirit and sense of fun at our organization. We are headquartered in San Francisco with offices in San Jose, San Rafael, Santa Rosa, and Walnut Creek.
Between 2010 and 2040, the Bay Area will grow by two million people. This growth could make the Bay Area a better place to live, or it could hurt the region. Will people be able to find homes they can afford? Will they be able to walk or bike to work, or will they have to pay for gasoline, whatever it costs? Will natural areas and working farms continue to provide clean air, clean water, and fresh food? Greenbelt Alliance’s Grow Smart Bay Area vision and research shows that by directing growth to existing cities and towns, protecting the region’s natural areas and working farms, and making sure this growth happens in an equitable way that benefits everyone, the Bay Area will remain a great place to live.
Greenbelt Alliance staff are engaged in multiple land-use planning campaigns to carry out the Grow Smart Bay Area vision. Examples include:
- Developing a plan to protect open space in unincorporated Sonoma County, using both traditional and new policy tools.
- Creating a vibrant, walkable neighborhood around San Jose’s Diridon Transit Center that includes homes affordable to all income levels and focuses mobility on people, not cars.
- Engaging in the region’s implementation of SB375 to ensure that the Bay Area’s Sustainable Communities Strategy reflects the Grow Smart Bay Area vision.
Policy Intern Responsibilities
The Policy Intern’s primary responsibility will be to help lead a research project to assess the primary barriers to infill development in each of 20 Bay Area cities with high infill development potential and suggest approaches to overcome those barriers. Activities will include:
- conducting a literature review of existing research on barriers to infill development
- assembling an advisory group of experts
- coordinating and providing materials for advisory group meetings
- setting up and conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders in each of the 20 cities (e.g. infill developers, city staff)
- recommending tailored solutions and approaches to overcome barriers for each city
- drafting and revising a report to communicate findings and recommendations
The Policy Intern may also undertake other tasks to support campaigns, such as drafting talking points on key issues, creating or commissioning GIS maps, researching land use policy recommendations, assisting with event planning and execution, or reviewing draft planning documents and drafting blog posts or comment letters.
The Policy Intern will report to the Policy Director and will work with other staff as appropriate.
Commitment
This position requires a 2 to 4 day a week commitment for at least three months starting May or June 2012; a 6- to 12-month commitment is preferred. Interns are expected to adhere to a regular schedule, but working hours are flexible and interns can generally choose this schedule. Much work will be completed between 9am and 5pm weekdays in the Greenbelt Alliance main office in downtown San Francisco. This location is BART and MUNI accessible and public transportation is encouraged. The Policy Intern will also need to travel to cities throughout the region to conduct interviews; access to a car is strongly preferred.
Talents/Skills desired
Greenbelt Alliance is seeking candidates with knowledge of urban planning issues – particularly infill development, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, strong writing skills, and a friendly and professional demeanor. Candidates should have strong organizational skills and an ability to work independently to meet deadlines. Graduate students and recent college graduates are encouraged to apply, but advanced undergraduates will also be considered.
Benefits
The position is unpaid. Travel reimbursement is available for interns working more than 30 hours a week who can demonstrate financial need.
This position is an excellent opportunity to have an impact on land use decisions throughout the Bay Area. The intern will meet professionals from around the region and will learn about environmental and urban planning issues while developing a network of contacts and references in the non-profit field. When applying for future jobs, interns will be able to point to tangible results from their work and describe discrete projects that they led.
To apply
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Stephanie Reyes, Policy Director, at sreyes@greenbelt.org. Please include the date you would be available to start work and how many months you can commit to the position.
Greenbelt Alliance values a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people of all sexual orientation, trans and gender non-conforming people, and individuals of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be evaluated as they arrive; the position is open until filled.
Greenbelt Alliance seeks a motivated individual to help lead a research project to assess the primary barriers to infill development in each of 20 Bay Area cities with high infill development potential and suggest approaches to overcome those barriers. The Policy Intern will also provide policy research support for Greenbelt Alliance’s campaigns for open space protection and better city planning throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
